To achieve food sovereignty and expand Nigeria’s presence in global agricultural exports, President Bola Tinubu says his administration is strategically focused on removing all impediments to the nation’s agricultural potential, with a particular emphasis on livestock production.
The president made the declaration during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Saturday at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
A statement by Presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, sent to Persecondnews, said excessive bureaucracy had delayed progress in agriculture, adding that Nigeria was undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
He highlighted agriculture as a key area where Nigeria holds a natural competitive advantage that can be unlocked through smart partnerships.
Tinubu assured Brazil that all technical bottlenecks in bilateral agreements would be removed to fast-track trade, energy, mining, and agricultural cooperation.
’All technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration,” Tinubu said.
He lauded Brazil’s agricultural research leadership, calling the South American giant a model in food production and export.
On livestock, Tinubu said Nigeria is scaling up investments in poultry, fisheries, and cattle rearing to boost food supply and job creation.
He added that Nigeria’s blue economy offered strong potential for long-term collaboration with Brazil in marine and aquatic resources.
The president called for immediate action, stating that both federal and state governments must act swiftly to drive food production nationwide.
He emphasized that state governments play a crucial role in transforming agriculture into a significant source of employment and national revenue.
In his remarks, Da Silva echoed Tinubu’s urgency, promising to regularise and update all agreements when Tinubu visits Brazil again.
He called for the removal of bureaucracy and promised Brazil’s institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to improve livestock farming systems.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security through strategic global and local partnerships.
Kyari pointed to Nigeria’s edge in fertiliser production as a ready-made asset for agricultural growth.
Also, Mr. Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, identified three priority areas for Brazil-Nigeria cooperation – animal health, sanitation, and genetic research.
The Nigeria-Brazil business forum is set to bring fresh ideas and investments into the agricultural sector, according to Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun, who is part of the presidential delegation.
Governors from Benue, Niger, Delta, and Lagos States also attended the forum, underscoring the importance of sub-national collaboration.
Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), also participated in the bilateral meeting.
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